Virat Kohli’s spokesperson has denied a claim that ₹5 crore was spent to bring him to Premanand Maharaj’s ashram in Vrindavan. The statement, issued on October 7, 2026, calls the allegation “completely false, baseless and factually incorrect.”
According to reports, the claim came from Dinesh Sharma, known as Falahari Maharaj, in a recent letter to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Reports also say no document or payment record backing it has surfaced.
“We would like to categorically state that the claims made by Falahari Maharaj Dinesh Sharma in regards to Mr. Virat Kohli are completely false, baseless and factually incorrect. Mr. Virat Kohli visits Premanand Maharaj Ji purely out of his deep faith and reverence for Maharaj Ji. We strongly refute these claims and urge the media to exercise due diligence, verify facts before reporting or amplifying such statements, and report responsibly.”
Virat Kohli’s spokesperson, official statement, October 7, 2026
🔴VIRAT KOHLI’S TEAM ISSUES OFFICIAL STATEMENT 🤯
🎙️: Virat Kohli’s spokesperson has categorically denied the claims made by Falhari Maharaj Dinesh Sharma, calling them “completely false, baseless and factually incorrect.”
– The team also clarified that Virat visits Premanand Maharaj Ji purely out of deep faith and reverence. 🙏
They urged the media to verify facts before reporting or amplifying such claims.
— Sam (@cricsam02) October 7, 2026
On paper, it is a short denial. What it leaves unsaid is why a claim about money cuts deepest when it targets the one part of a player’s life that was never about performance.
Insider Read
Every cricketer builds something outside the scoreboard that keeps him steady. For Kohli, it has been these visits to Vrindavan, made since January 2023 and even the day after he walked away from Tests. That space works because nothing is measured there. No runs, no contracts, no cameras deciding what it means.
Criticism of your batting comes with the job. You let it pass, because the next innings answers it. A claim that your faith was bought has no next innings to answer it. It turns the one thing a player does for himself into a transaction, and that is why this one could not be left alone.
What Falahari Maharaj Alleged
Falahari Maharaj is reported to be president of the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Sangharsh Nyas. As per reports, his letter alleged that a Rajasthan-based private company and a property-builder lobby spent ₹5 crore to bring Kohli to the ashram in January 2023. The reported aim was to raise Premanand Maharaj’s popularity.
“विराट कोहली और अनुष्का शर्मा को आश्रम बुलाने के लिए 5 करोड़ रुपये का भारी-भरकम भुगतान किया गया था”
“A hefty payment of ₹5 crore was made to bring Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma to the ashram.”
Falahari Maharaj’s allegation, as reported by Patrika, October 2026
The letter reportedly also claimed that PR companies and a builder lobby had entered the ashram, and that Premanand Maharaj’s safety was at risk. Reports link its timing to a disciple’s death at the ashram on September 25.
So far, no contract, invoice or bank record supporting the payment has been reported. Kohli and Anushka Sharma first visited on January 4, 2023, according to reports, and have returned several times since, most recently on July 22, 2026.
Also Read:
